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TUTANKHAMUN

Hidden for 32 centuries, the tomb of Egypt’s boy king, Tutankhamun, is an endless source of wonder and supposition. Many question how the king died. Demi, instead, chooses to focus on how he lived. Set amid the religious conflicts of Tutankhamun’s ancestors and inspired by artifacts found in the king’s tomb, the narrative traces the young king’s rise to power. After a childhood filled with hunting, music and studies, Tutankhamun takes the throne when he is about nine. He later restores Egypt’s old religion and gives people the freedom of worship. In a tale rife with names, dates and voyages from here and back, the author manages to keep a simple, straightforward flow. An ancient Egyptian verse sets the tone on the very first page: “O, Egypt—how beautiful indeed is the sight; / How pleasant indeed is the view!” Using rich jewel tones, bursting yellows and, of course, opulent gold ink, the exquisite art does not fall short. A beautiful sight indeed. (author’s note, resources, family tree, map) (Picture book/biography. 7-10)

Pub Date: Nov. 1, 2009

ISBN: 978-0-7614-5558-2

Page Count: 64

Publisher: Marshall Cavendish

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2009

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RIVER STORY

Trickling, bubbling, swirling, rushing, a river flows down from its mountain beginnings, past peaceful country and bustling city on its way to the sea. Hooper (The Drop in My Drink, 1998, etc.) artfully evokes the water’s changing character as it transforms from “milky-cold / rattling-bold” to a wide, slow “sliding past mudflats / looping through marshes” to the end of its journey. Willey, best known for illustrating Geraldine McCaughrean’s spectacular folk-tale collections, contributes finely detailed scenes crafted in shimmering, intricate blues and greens, capturing mountain’s chill, the bucolic serenity of passing pastures, and a sense of mystery in the water’s shadowy depths. Though Hooper refers to “the cans and cartons / and bits of old wood” being swept along, there’s no direct conservation agenda here (for that, see Debby Atwell’s River, 1999), just appreciation for the river’s beauty and being. (Picture book/nonfiction. 7-9)

Pub Date: June 1, 2000

ISBN: 0-7636-0792-4

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Candlewick

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2000

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THE JUNKYARD WONDERS

Trisha is ready to start at a new school, where no one will know she has dyslexia. At first, she is heartbroken to be in Miss Peterson’s special-ed class, aka, “the junkyard.” But Miss Peterson treats the children as anything but junk, showing them that everyone has a unique talent. Polacco’s trademark style is fully present here; her sensitively drawn alter ego shines with depth of feeling. When bullying occurs, Miss Peterson proves her students are worthwhile by planning a junkyard field trip, where they find valuable objects to be used in exciting ways. Trisha’s group repairs a plane, and the class buys an engine for it. Then a beloved class member dies, and the children must find a way to honor him. While the plot meanders somewhat, the characters are appealing, believable and provide a fine portrayal of a truly special class. Children will be drawn in by the story’s warmth and gentle humor and will leave with a spark of inspiration, an appreciation of individual differences and a firm anti-bullying message, all underscored by the author’s note that concludes the book. (Picture book. 7-10)

Pub Date: July 1, 2010

ISBN: 978-0-399-25078-1

Page Count: 48

Publisher: Philomel

Review Posted Online: May 31, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2010

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